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Horticulture: Crop Cultivation Guidance

Propagation - Bulbs, Tubers

The
bulbous plants are divided into two categories i.e., hardy and tender
bulbs. The hardy types can be left in the ground and are separated after
2-3 years for their multiplication (e.g. Amaryllis, tuberose, canna,
zephyranthes, crinum, etc.). On the contrary, the tender types cannot be
left in the ground after flowering and are to be lifted from the ground on
maturity. After their treatment against diseases, these are to be stored
in cold storage or cool places during off season for next year planting
e.g. Gladiolus, Narcissus, Daffodils, Freesia, Dahlia, etc.

Propagation

The
following are the common methods employed for propagation of bulbous
plants;

Off-sets,
cormlets or bulblets

:
- Mother bulbs produce many bulblets, which are separated and planted
for raising new crop. The intensity of bulblet production is a varietal
character. Some varieties are very prolific bulblet producer whereas
some produce sparse bulblets. It takes about 1-2 years for growing a
bulblet into a full bulb.

Division

:
- It is followed in tubers, rhizomes and corms, which are divided
carefully (in such a way that each piece contains at least one
vegetative bud) and planted in the soil.

Terminal
cuttings

:
- These cuttings are mostly employed to propagate Dahlia and Rex
begonia.

Seed

:
- This method is employed by the breeders to create new varieties e.g.
Gladiolus, Dahlia, Freesia, Amaryllis, Lilies, etc.

Lifting
of bulbs and their storage

Tender
bulbs like Gladiolus, Dahlia, Narcissus, Daffodils, etc. are to be dug
from the soil 10-12 weeks after flowering has been finished. Before
lifting the bulbs, water is withheld. After digging, bulds are dried in
shade for few days. Then these are treated with 0.2% Bavistin solution for
30 minutes and thereafter stored. Hardy bulbs are separated after 2-3
years and are again planted in the planting season.

Canna
is a rhizomatous plant and is very easily propagated by dividing the
rhizomes into 10-15 cm pieces during end of June.

Dahlia:
Dahlia variables (Compositae)

Propagation
of dahlia is done by seeds, division of tubers and terminal cuttings. The
propagation through seeds is easy and the best way to achieve striking
mixtures of colourful flowers which are sown in September-October. The
varieties which are being marketed in India are Giant Exhibition mixed,
Dwarf Double Red Skin, Coltners hybrids, and Border Jewels, Rigoletto, and
Citation. Tubers are stored during summer in cool place or in
refrigerator. After careful separation, tubers are planted directly in
field in August. The care with a vegetative bud. The terminal cutting
should be solid and made in September-October from plants and after
treatment with seradix-I are planted in sand. It takes about 2-3 weeks for
rooting and after that they are transplanted inpots (25-30cm) or in beds.